1. Arizona Taumololo (Chiefs) – The big Tongan has now scored 3 tries in his his last 3 outings for the Chiefs. For that reason, he takes the loosehead prop berth this week.
2. Tian Liebenberg (Stormers) – The Stormers demolished the Blues in the set-pieces and Tian Liebenberg was at the heart of most that was good in that regard. Solid Lineout throwing and spectacular scummagging.
3. Brok Harris (Stormers) – Was active around the field and absolutely hammered the Blues up front. The number of penalties the Blues front row conceded was truly astonishing.
4. Callum Retallick (Chiefs) – Reminiscent of former All Black ian Jones, Retallick produced another fine effort which saw his reputation enhanced once more. The tallest lock in NZ Super Rugby will have an eye on Brad Thorn’s vacant spot in the AB’s.
5. Andries Bekker (Stormers) – Back to his best. Another Stormer putting his hand up for national Selection with the Boks. Likely to be a starting Springbok given the retirement of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.
6. Adam Thomson (Highlanders) – Thomson provided a hell of a lot of energy around the park, as well as being the main lineout jumper from blindside flanker. He was integral to the Highlander’s efforts in their narrow victory over the Canes.
7. Siya Kolisi (Stormers)- Standing in for the injured Schalk Burger, Kolisi’s game has gone from strength to strength. A concern prior to the campaign was that he may be too small for top level rugby but he has proven any doubters wrong in the opening weeks. He is a hugely physical and energetic flanker.
8. Victor Vito (Hurricanes) – A flawless game from the qualified lawyer. Vito showed his smarts and skills around the cake tin with some special touches. His work rate was huge and he is beginning to show the leadership many pundits thought he would.
9. Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders) – The Southlander has had his starting spot taken by nippy halfback Aaron Smith in recent weeks. Cowan offered a more physical style this week and can be happy with his efforts. With no standout number 9’s this week, Cowan get’s the spot for responding well to his critics.
10. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) – Aaron had an outstanding game on Friday night. His kicking radar was definitely working, as he landed some difficult penalties/conversions, as well as directing the backline sharply. Depending on how Carter comes back from his injury lay-off, Cruden could be challenging for a starting spot with the AB’s.
11. Bryan Habana (Stormers) – The best game I have seen for a long time from the man who once famously raced a cheetah. Habana gave Blues debutant Ben Lam a torrid time on the wing chasing down every high kick. He was rewarded with a try for his efforts.
12. Jean DeVilliers (Stormers) – Bruising in defence, Effective in attack. As the saying goes...DeVilliers is like a fine wine. He seems to get better with age. He led the backline strongly and did enough to prevent what had seemed an unlikely Blues comeback.
13. Jackson Willison (Chiefs) – He gave the Chiefs a deserved victory with a late try in his first start of the campaign. Apparently he was even challenging Kahui and Sonny Bill for a starting spot following his pre-season efforts. Willison can be pleased with his first competitive return since the ITM Cup final with Waikato.
14Willie Le Roux (Cheetahs) – LeRoux was certainly in the action this weekend. He got on the score-sheet again with 2 tries against the Rebels in a closely contested game. He makes mistakes...but you can’t deny that he also gives a fair bit of x-factor - something sorely needed since Sarel Pretorius upped sticks to play for the ‘Tahs.
15 James O’Connor (Rebels) / David Harvey (Force) – This week i’m awarding the full back spot to two players. James O’Connor arguably had the better game (he scored a fine try as well as plenty of points with the boot) but he has to share the honour with plucky David Harvey of the Force. He only joined the Force on an initial four match deal early last week but was the surprise hero with a personal haul of 16 points via the boot and one intercept try.
Player of the Week
Victor Vito
Vito’s game has risen to a new level this year. A member of last year’s victorious World Cup winning squad, Victor Vito will be looking to earn a starting spot in the All Blacks this season (an eminent possibility given Jerome Kaino’s absence for 6 months through injury). Vito looks imperious in the lineout, frequently catching the ball one handed and his work rate from the back of the scrum is huge. We always knew he had great speed and acceleration but he has added another dimension to his game this year. Thus, Vito deservedly is the player of the week for round 4 (despite finishing on the losing side for the Hurricanes).
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